The Coyotes Are Back!

fisihed-seal-beachThis morning I took this photo from Mom’s front porch. She looks out onto a lovely green-belt. A great view and a the perfect place for walking. Two years ago coyotes moved in and became a major threat to dogs, cats, and rabbits in the neighborhood. About six months ago, they suddenly disappeared. The community began to relax and the dog walkers began to leave their canes, walking sticks, and whistles at home. The local rabbit population began to expand once more, and it looked like all were safe for the time being, or so they hoped, then last week, one of Mom’s neighbors called to tell her she’d spotted a coyote on her morning walk.

P1020987 coyote-1This morning during breakfast, Mom spotted a coyote across the green looking for breakfast. I ran for my camera,but the above photos  where all I could take before he turned a corner and disappeared. It looks to me like the time has come again,  to pick up those walking sticks and whistles.

 

The Right Side of the Road?

driving-in-CAOur youngest daughter and grandson are here from New Zealand visiting us in Orange County. It always amazes me how she can automatically switch to driving on the right side of the road. Those of you who read my previous post, Plumbird in New Zealand,  written when I was visiting New Zealand last April, may remember that I never drove while I was there. I’m just not sure about driving on the left side of the road, not to mention all of the roundabouts. Above you can see her navigating the I-5 south to San Clemente, as if she had never left home.pedros-tacosFirst stop was the Rip Curl outlet for, you guessed it, board shorts. Cole  made some purchases, and I found a great deal on the sale rack and ended up with one more pair. Then on to Pedro’s Tacos. Another favorite stop, and just across the parking lot from The Sugar Shack, where  Martin and I ate two weeks ago.sugar-shackChar-and-DimeWhile at Pedro’s our grandson found an American dime and here he’s studying his newly-found treasure.

After a delicious lunch of soft tacos and quesadillas we headed home. It was a fun day, but I think I’d better stay away from the Rip Curl outlet for awhile.

Chula Vista Vacation

Monday Rose 1We returned home this afternoon from the Chula Vista RV Park, where we spent four  days in our 5th wheel trailer. I took dozens of photos and thought I’d share a few with you. On one of my early morning walks, I spotted this beautiful rose peeking out at me through a white picket fence. It was so bright and full of life.

Two-ducksHere is a friendly couple that I met on another one of my walks around the RV park and marina.enhances-orchid
One of many beautiful orchids in the Botanical Building in nearby Balboa Park, SanDiego.

 

SFO-ferryThis was quite a surprise. A San Francisco ferry in for repairs at the local boat yard. I couldn’t help but wonder how it had arrived there.

Annika-homeLastly, here is Annika looking at me as if to ask why we had to end our fun trip. She loves our camping trips, and gets excited as soon as she sees the trailer out front of our house. Sorry little girl, it was time to return home, but we can always look forward to our next adventure.

 

 

 

 

 

Enjoying White Blossoms

Shasta-DaisiesWhen we woke to heavy rain this morning, I jumped out of bed and looked out the sliding glass door, into our back yard. The first thing I noticed was the patch of Shasta Daisies. They were luminous. The rain had highlighted the beautiful white petals. I’ve always loved brightly colored flowers, especially oranges and yellows, as seen in the  pots of marigolds dispersed throughout our yard, both front and back, but as I admired the daisies, I realized that recently I’ve shown a liking for white blossoms.

White-OrchidHere is the white orchid that sits next to our kitchen window. I just love it. So crisp and clean looking. The pale yellow adds just the right touch of warmth.

Night-JasmineThe day after I returned from New Zealand, I was seated at the kitchen table, writing in my journal, that is where you usually find me first thing in the morning. I looked up and suddenly noticed that our Night-Blooming Jasmine was covered in blossoms. The white against the dark green leaves was gorgeous. I grabbed my camera and took the above photo. Are you noticing a pattern here? My new appreciation for white flowers seems to have started before the morning rain highlighted the daisies.

 

water-on-tableI actually ran out into the rain, to take the photo of the Shasta Daisies, and on the way back in noticed this rain puddle on our glass outdoor table, so I took this photo before I ran in the house and dried off. It is still raining, as I write this. It is almost lunch time, and they tell us we will have intermittent rain until this evening. I will not complain, because in California we need the water so desperately, and it  makes me slow down a little and take notice of little Shasta Daisies and puddles.

Love my Stove Top Espresso Maker

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Well, I did it! On April 21st, I posted Coffee in New Zealand. A short write up on how to use a stove top espresso maker. I used one every morning while in New Zealand and enjoyed it so much, that I planned to bring one home with me, and I did. I also brought a pound of espresso coffee with me, so I could prepare a cup as soon as I arrived home. Above you see my new espresso maker on my stove.
espressoPouring the bold coffee into frothy milk. I could hardly wait.

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I also brought some of my favorite ginger cookies home with me as well. This brand of cookie,called Ginger Nuts, is very crunchy, and perfect for dunking in my coffee. Before my ginger cookie supply runs out, I better find a recipe for a good dunking ginger snap. Will share it with you if I find one.